beat the brochure

It has reached that time of year again, the time when schools have closed for summer and many people can now look forward to their holidays abroad. The last few weeks of sitting at your desk, frowning as the rain hits the window and dreaming of lying in a hammock on a white sandy beach has finally come to a halt.

Some people have their heart set on where they would like to go on vacation whilst others may be a little more undecided. The Canary Islands, as clichéd as it may sound, has something for everyone, whether you plan to party with a group of friends or spend some quality time with your family.

What to do when you are there, you may ask yourself? Yes, there are bars and shops and fine restaurants serving traditional Spanish cuisine as well as more familiar flavours from the UK, but maybe you’d like to do something a little different to break up your time. Visiting a Zoo while holidaying may not cross the vast majority of people’s minds, but it is certainly something to consider doing.

Loro Parque, Tenerife

Loro Parque, situated in North Tenerife, boasts the largest dolphin pool in Europe and both the largest penguin exhibition and the only whale ocean in the world. If you are a keen traveller who does not like to go back to the same place again, this would be a once in a life time attraction to visit. Animal lovers, whether they be your children or your in-laws, will be in their element at Loro Parque, which is so popular with tourists and locals that it is open 365 days a year!

Ticket prices start from only 20 euros, which includes any show you may want to see including the parrot or dolphin shows. There are a number of cafes and restaurants on site, allowing you to relax for a bit and soak in the surroundings and the refreshing atmosphere – definitely not a place to be overlooked.

Guinate Tropical Park

Perhaps you are visiting Lanzarote and are now slightly disappointed after reading about Loro Paque in Tenerife. Worry not as Northern Lanzarote too occupies a breath-taking zoo, one that is placed on an extinct volcano, near the Famara Cliffs and 400 metres above sea level! Guinate Tropical Park is home to thousands of animals including birds, monkeys, tortoises and even meerkats!

You can enjoy watching the parrot show or see the penguins being fed, visualising how similar to living in a natural environment they are. The popular attraction, which also possesses glorious waterfalls and stunning gardens, is open all year round and will cost from as little as 6 euros per person (any child under 3 gets free entry – bargain).

Palmitos Park

Gran Canaria also parades a fascinating Zoo in the name of Palmitos Park. Based in the Canary Islands, southern Gran Canaria, the picturesque grounds mirror a heavenly animal paradise. From 21 euros you can wander through the botanical gardens, ramble through the exhibitions and please your inner child as you watch beautiful dolphins perform and engage with pure elegance. You too are able to learn just how intelligent this species are and see how they interact with their trainers.

Aside from dolphins anxious to impress you between 10:00 – 18:00, there are countless birds and flamingos waiting to take your breath away with their sheer beauty. Needless to say, Palmitos Park is a fun day out for all and the memories will stay etched in your mind for a long time!

A little gentle reminder from me…… don’t forget your cameras!!